Near the Coleman Bridge -- opposite Yorktown Beach. Concession stand. Swimming: Yes, but it's discouraged. About half of the water is off-limits because of the river current. Lifeguards: No. Public restrooms: Yes. Where: Off Route 17 on the Gloucester side of the Coleman Bridge, next to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. (804) 693- 2355.

Grandview Beach

A "no-service beach" featuring privacy and nature. Swimming: Yes. Lifeguards: No. Public restrooms: No. Where: At the edge of Grandview Natural Preserve in the Fox Hill part of Hampton. A trail winds through the park to the beach. 727- 6347.

Huntington Park

Small, but easy to get to. Popular with families. Kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing and jet skis allowed on south end of beach. Lifeguards certified through the U.S. Lifesaving Association. Concession stand. Swimming: Yes, but the water is shallow. A barrier marks off the swimming area. Lifeguards: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Public restrooms: Yes. Where: Newport News end of the James River Bridge. 886-7912; concession stand, 380-0974.

King-Lincoln Park

Neighborhood beach and park with 2,200 feet of shoreline that is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Swimming: Yes, but City of Newport News does not recommend swimming where lifeguards are not available. Lifeguards: No. Public restrooms: Yes. Where: Near the intersection of Sixth Street and Jefferson Avenue, Newport News. 886-7912.

Ocean View Beaches

Four beaches in a low-key area without other attractions. Swimming: Yes. Lifeguards: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Public restrooms: Yes, and are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Four beaches anchor intersections along Ocean View Avenue in Norfolk: Sarah Constant Beach, just east of 4th View Street, Community Beach and Ocean View Park, farther east near Norfolk Avenue, and City Beach, at the far east end of Ocean View Avenue. 441- 2149.

Sandbridge

Quiet and peaceful, compared to nearby Virginia Beach. Popular with surfers, kayakers and wind jockeys. Parking lots near the two most popular entrances cost $3. Swimming: Yes. Lifeguards: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Public restrooms: Yes. Where: Several miles south of the Virginia Beach strip, off Sandbridge Road. 437-4882.

The Virginia Beach Strip

Huge weekend crowds, high-rise hotels, T-shirt shops, eateries, bars -- Virginia Beach has it all. City-run parking lots near the water at 19th, part of 18th, and 31st streets charge $5-$7 a day. 9th Street garage and 25th Street offers hourly parking. (At the garage and city-run lots, ask for stub good for two Trolley tickets for four people.) Swimming: Yes. And surfing, during certain hours, starting at 1st Street for 500 feet. Lifeguards: Yes. Public restrooms: At 17th, 24th and 30th streets, plus portables on every block. Where: Along Atlantic Avenue from 1st Street to 41st Street. 437-4882 or 1-800-VABEACH.

Yorktown Beach

At the edge of historic Yorktown. View of Coleman Bridge. Nearby bars and restaurants. Swimming: Yes. Lifeguards: No, but sheriff's deputies keep an eye on the waterfront during the summer. Public restrooms: Yes. Where: Along Water Street in Yorktown, just off Route 17. 890-3500.